You may be sent a letter by HMRC if you are affected by a tax error
HMRC has shared an intriguing piece of advice for those who want to speak with the tax authority. The matter arose following a query from a customer regarding an underpaid tax error.
The person reached out to the organisation via social media for assistance. They explained: “I put the wrong payee reference when making a bank transfer for underpaid tax due. I cannot find a way on the HMRC to correct this error. I’ve also tried phoning HMRC, but end up going round in circles. Can you help?” In response, HMRC said that they were unable to offer much immediate assistance.
They told the customer they would need to persist with the phone line. The group advised: “Unfortunately due to the nature of your query, you will need to keep trying the helpline as this requires access to internal systems, which we’re not authorised access here.”
However, they did offer one tip about what to say – or rather what not to say – in order to receive help over the phone. The group suggested: “If you stay quiet, the IVR system should put you through to speak with an adviser.”
IVR, or Interactive Voice Response, is a system many organisations have in place for their telephone lines. When you call up, you’re greeted with a pre-recorded message and can navigate the system to reach the appropriate department, by pressing keys on your keypad or saying specific phrases.
Occasionally, a switchboard may offer the option to remain silent or not select any of the options, in which case you’ll be connected to a human operator. Having received this advice, the customer said they would try following HMRC’s suggestions.
What happens if I pay the wrong amount of tax to HMRC?
If you have an income tax query, you can contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300. The line operates from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm.
Should you have overpaid or underpaid tax by the end of the tax year, which concludes on April 5, HMRC will contact you regarding the matter. You’ll either receive a tax calculation letter, also known as a P800, or a simple assessment letter.
This will advise you on how to claim your refund or what steps to take to settle the amount you owe. You will only be sent one of these letters if you are employed or receiving a pension.
These letters are typically sent out between June and March of the subsequent tax year. Alternatively, if you’re registered for self assessment, your tax bill will be automatically adjusted if you’ve paid an incorrect amount of tax.
